Cooling
To control dimensions, surface appearance and warpage, it is important to have
as much control over the cooling of the part as possible. Flow rate is a major
factor in heat removal. By creating turbulent flow, heat extraction and cycle
times can be improved. To control warpage in many designs, it is essential that
the mold cooling be targeted to provide extra heat extraction in the heavier
wall portions of the part. The overall flow pattern also affects the part
quality. Water warms as it flows through the mold. The mold should contain
several inlets and outlets in an oscillating cooling pattern. A cold mold
surface can also cause problems in reproducing surface details such as texture.
Water line layout should remove as much heat as quickly as possible without
creating cold spots on the surface of the tool.
Tooling engineers can target water lines near each critical section of the
mold to provide the dimensional control and appearance you need.